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IF ONLY definition: 1. used when you want to say how doing something would make it possible to avoid something…. Learn more.
We use if only to express a strong wish that things could be different. It means the same as I wish but is stronger. We use it to talk about past, present and future unreal conditions. We use if only + past verb forms to talk about a wish for the present: If only he knew the truth. (he doesn’t know the truth, but he wishes he did)
An expression used to introduce a wish, esp one felt to be unrealizable.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video.
The meaning of IF ONLY is —used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true. How to use if only in a sentence.
Oct 13, 2010 · Based on your example sentence, "if only" is acting as a modifier to "because". Essentially, the line of text, when fully expressed is:
"Only if" and "if only" are idiomatic phrases that are quite different in meaning. "If" is used to express a condition. When used after only i.e. only if, it expresses a strong condition or the only situation in which something can happen.
Sep 28, 2024 · (idiomatic) Even if for no other reason than; only just. I was pretty sure what I wanted, but I still tried on another if only to make sure. (idiomatic) Signifies a hypothetical or wishful precondition, or one which would be simple but is nonetheless unlikely, for a hypothetical, counterfactual, or future outcome.
if only meaning, definition, what is if only: used to express a strong wish, especiall...: Learn more.
used to introduce expressions of desire, with only: if I had only known. b. used to introduce exclamations of surprise, dismay, etc: if this doesn't top everything! .
Only if is a conjunction which stipulates that what follows is necessarily and true. Its meanings include providing that, assuming that, and as long as. Sentences with if and sentences with only if can essentially mean the same thing, but only if is a stronger phrase; that is, the conditional aspect of the meaning is more emphasized and prominent.
